Zero Ischemia Research Articles

Guideline for Management of the Clinical T1 Renal Mass

Guideline for Management of the Clinical T1 Renal Mass

The R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score: A Comprehensive Standardized System for Quantitating Renal Tumor Size, Location and Depth

Treatment decisions for renal malignancies depend largely on qualitative data, including a description of tumor anatomy and the experience of the treating surgeon. Currently characterization of renal tumor anatomical elements is descriptive and lacks standardization. Surgical decision making and data set comparisons would be significantly enhanced by a consistent, reproducible system that quantitates the pertinent characteristics of localized renal lesions. We have developed and propose a standardized nephrometry scoring system (R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score) to quantify the anatomical characteristics of renal masses on computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. The nephrometry score is based on 5 critical and reproducible anatomical features of solid renal masses. Of the 5 components 4 are scored on a 1, 2 or 3-point scale with the 5th indicating the anterior or posterior location of the mass relative to the coronal plane of the kidney. We applied the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score to 50 consecutive masses resected at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score consists of (R)adius (tumor size as maximal diameter), (E)xophytic/endophytic properties of the tumor, (N)earness of tumor deepest portion to the collecting system or sinus, (A)nterior (a)/posterior (p) descriptor and the (L)ocation relative to the polar line. The suffix h (hilar) is assigned to tumors that abut the main renal artery or vein. The nephrometry scoring system accurately classified the complexity of 50 consecutive tumors undergoing excision at our institution. Standardized reporting of renal tumor size, location and depth is essential for decision making and effective comparisons. The R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score is a reproducible standardized classification system that quantitates the salient anatomy of renal masses. This novel approach for the systematic characterization of renal tumors provides a tool for meaningful comparisons of renal masses in clinical practice and in the urological literature.

COMPLICATIONS OF LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY IN 200 CASES

We analyzed complications of the initial 200 cases treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for a suspected renal tumor. Since August 1999, 200 consecutive patients have undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Mean patient age was 61.6 years, mean body mass index was 29.9 and mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (range 1 to 10). There were 51 central tumors (25%) and 15 solitary kidneys (7.5%). A central tumor was defined as any tumor infiltrating up to the collecting system or renal sinus, during the excision of which entry into and repair of the collecting system was necessary. Mean estimated blood loss was 247 cc and mean operative time was 3.3 hours. Data on complications were obtained from a prospectively maintained computerized database and via telephone calls to patients and/or local referring physicians. A total of 66 patients (33%) had 1 or more complications, which were intraoperative in 11 (5.5%), postoperative in 24 (12%) and delayed in 31 (15.5%). Overall 30 patients (15%) had a non-urological complication and 36 (18%) had a urological complication, including hemorrhage in 19 (9.5%) and urine leakage in 9 (4.5%). Hemorrhage occurred intraoperatively in 7 cases (3.5%) and postoperatively in 4 (2%), while it was delayed in 8 (4%). Of patients with urine leakage none required reoperation, 6 (3%) required a Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) only, 2 (1%) required a Double-J stent with computerized tomography guided drainage and 1 required no treatment. Open conversion was necessary in 2 patients (1%), reoperation was done in 4 (2%) and elective laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed in 1 (0.5%). Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an advanced procedure with potential for complications. It requires considerable experience with reconstructive laparoscopy.